Hernan & Anita proposal at Charlotte Ballet October, 1998
Anita & Hernan Chautauqua Dance Company “Black Swan” pas de deux 1997
Hernan and Anita at CBT’s BB&B fundraising event ’23
Our Directors’ Story
Every dance journey begins with a first step.
For some students, that first step leads to a lifelong passion, a professional career, or a deeper understanding of themselves. For others, it is simply the joy of music, movement, friendship, and finding a place where they belong. At DanceArts Greenville, we believe every dancer’s journey matters.
Our story began with two dancers from different parts of the world who shared the same belief: dance has the power to transform lives.
A Journey Through Dance
Anita Sun Pacylowski grew up in Columbia, Maryland, where her love for ballet began at The Washington School of Ballet under the legendary Mary Day. Her dedication led to a professional career with The Washington Ballet, where she became a Principal Dancer and performed throughout the United States and internationally. Along the way, she was honored with the Princess Grace Award in Dance, the National YoungArts Award, and recognition as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts.
Across the world, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hernan Justo discovered his own passion for dance. After training at the prestigious Teatro Colón, he enjoyed a distinguished professional career with Argentina’s leading ballet companies before accepting a contract with The Washington Ballet.
Although we first met in Washington, D.C., it was while dancing together with North Carolina Dance Theatre (now Charlotte Ballet) that our friendship became a partnership. Seven seasons of rehearsals, performances, and touring laid the foundation for a shared life dedicated to dance.
In 2001, our journey brought us to Greenville, South Carolina, when Hernan accepted the role of Artistic Director of Ballet Greenville (formerly Carolina Ballet Theatre). We quickly fell in love with Greenville’s vibrant arts community and knew this was where we wanted to build our future.
Building a Legacy
In 2004, we were honored to become the owners and directors of DanceArts Greenville, continuing the legacy established by founder Barbara Selvy in 1972.
For the past 22 years, DanceArts Greenville has been much more than our profession—it has been our family’s life’s work. Every class taught, every performance presented, every costume sewn, every recital celebrated, and every student encouraged has become part of a story that continues to unfold.
Over the years, we have had the privilege of watching generations of students grow in our studios. Some have gone on to professional dance careers, Broadway, collegiate dance programs, and careers in education. Others have become physicians, engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs, parents, and community leaders. While their paths have been different, they all share something in common: the confidence, discipline, resilience, and creativity they developed through dance.
Nothing brings us greater joy than welcoming former students back through our doors—this time holding the hand of their own child.
Our Family
DanceArts Greenville has always been a family endeavor.
Our children, Martin, Sofia, and Nicolas, grew up in the studio, surrounded by music, movement, and an incredible community of teachers, students, and families. Today, Martin and Sofia continue that tradition as members of our faculty, while Nicolas captures many of our performances and special moments through photography and videography. Even Ellie, our beloved studio dog, has become part of the DanceArts family, greeting students with a wagging tail and reminding us all that joy belongs in every studio.
Watching our own children grow through dance has only strengthened our belief that dance education is about so much more than performance. It is about developing character, confidence, empathy, perseverance, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Why We Teach
Our professional journeys continue to inspire our work every day. Anita serves as Chair of the Fine Arts Center Dance Department, mentoring the next generation of young artists, while Hernan continues to lead Ballet Greenville as Artistic Director. These roles keep us connected to the evolving world of dance while reinforcing our shared commitment to excellence in arts education.
Every experience—as performers, educators, directors, and parents—has shaped the way we teach.
We believe exceptional dance education is both rigorous and holistic. Strong technique, musicality, creativity, discipline, and artistic expression are not separate pursuits—they are cultivated together through thoughtful practice and purposeful instruction.
We are inspired by the words of choreographer Alonzo King:
“The purpose of art is higher than art. What we’re really interested in are masterpieces of humanity.”
Those words remind us that the highest purpose of dance is not simply to create accomplished performers, but to help young people become extraordinary human beings.
Our goal is to educate the whole dancer by nurturing the whole person. As students grow in confidence, curiosity, resilience, kindness, and integrity, their artistry grows alongside them. We believe technical excellence and artistic expression are inseparable because both are reflections of the individual.
Whether a student dreams of a professional career or simply wants to experience the joy of dance, every child deserves to be challenged, encouraged, and celebrated.
Welcome to Our Family
When families choose DanceArts Greenville, they become part of something much larger than a dance studio. They become part of a community that has been built over decades through trust, meaningful relationships, and a shared love for the arts.
We are deeply grateful to every family who has entrusted us with their children over the past 22 years. It is a privilege to share in their growth, celebrate their accomplishments, and witness the remarkable individuals they become.
Thank you for allowing us to be a small part of your family’s story.
We look forward to welcoming you to ours.
With gratitude,
Anita Sun Pacylowski & Hernan Justo
Owners & Directors
DanceArts Greenville
